A Saltcoats based actor will be taking to the stage in Kilmarnock to perform in the hit musical Sister Act.

Michael Gallagher, a civil servant, will be playing the role of police officer Eddie Southern in the production which follows a Philadelphia night club singer who witnesses a murder and is forced to take refuge in a convent.

Running in the Palace Theatre between Tuesday March 14 and Saturday, March 18, the Kilmarnock Amateur Operatic Society [KAOS] musical will be one of their last productions in the building’s current interior as it is set to undergo a major £20 million refurbishment.

Michael said: "Sister Act is a thoroughly exciting and lively musical, with twists, turns and ensemble performances that will have audiences dancing and singing as they leave the auditorium."

"With the Palace Theatre set to undergo a transformation that will open a new chapter in arts and culture for Kilmarnock and Ayrshire, Sister Act offers one of the last chances to visit and experience the theatre in its current form.

“I know I and my fellow KAOS cast members are delighted and honoured to be part of this moment in the Palace Theatre's history."

Whilst this is Michael’s first production with KAOS he has many years of acting experience having performed in shows by the National Theatre of Scotland, TAG Theatre Company, NLP Theatre Company, and British Youth Music Theatre.

Last year he was involved in the play The Girls of Cartridge Hut No. 7 which told the story of the factory explosion at the Ardeer Peninsula in Stevenston.

Ardrossan’s Alison and Rachel Ferrie will also be performing in the production with Alison having over 30 years of experience in amateur theatre and Rachel being involved in KAOS since 2008.

KAOS has an extensive history in Ayrshire and has been active for almost 90 years.

Tickets for Sister Act are available here: www.kaos-operatic.co.uk/tickets.